SUMMARY: Conservative groups aim to roll back Montana’s Medicaid expansion, which covers approximately 78,800 low-income individuals, marking a potential first elimination under the Affordable Care Act since its inception. As the program is set to expire next year, critics argue it’s costly and bloated, while supportive studies show it enhances access to care. The debate centers around differing viewpoints on the program’s impact on vulnerable populations. Montana, unique among states, may face this decision next year, with significant implications on health care access and budget priorities. Supporters emphasize that expansion has notably reduced the uninsured rate in the state.

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SUMMARY: Beverly Hills will train its employees on abortion clinic protections following local officials‘ attempts to block the DuPont Clinic from opening in violation of state law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s proposed settlement revealed that city leaders pressured the clinic’s landlord to cancel the lease and delayed permits, citing potential security threats from protests. Bonta criticized the city’s actions as undermining reproductive freedom and noted that the clinic never opened. The agreement mandates employee training, complaint protocols, and a compliance officer, although the city did not admit wrongdoing. Proposition 1 enshrined rights protecting reproductive health in California.

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SUMMARY: Brigin Feffer, a 2-year-old, was bitten by a rattlesnake in San Diego, requiring over $200,000 worth of antivenom to save his life. He received 30 vials of antivenom, leading to a total medical bill of nearly $300,000, which covered hospital stays and ambulance rides. Hospitals often mark up prices significantly, with charges exceeding $957 per vial at one facility. Only two brands of snake antivenom exist, limiting competition. Although insurance negotiated a reduction in costs, the family faced a substantial deductible and potential additional charges. Brigin has since healed, though nerve damage affects his thumb’s dexterity.

For snakebite victims, antivenom is critical — and costly. It took more than $200,000 worth of antivenom to save one toddler’s life after he was bitten by a rattlesnake.

Read more of this “Bill of the Month” here: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/toddlers-backyard-snakebite-bills-totaled-more-than-a-quarter-million-dollars/

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